Haunted New York

New York in autumn feels both festive and unsettled: Something about the changing weather makes us curious about the cycle of life and death. It’s the perfect time to reflect upon all the feet that have walked these streets before us, and all the eyes that have watched the city evolve. Some of these eyes seem to be watching us still. You can scarcely walk a block in Manhattan without encountering a haunted landmark.

To lighten the mood, let's go see a show at the Palace Theatre. This historic landmark was the center of the vaudeville universe in the early 20th century, attracting acts from across the country. Today, it hosts Broadway's best and brightest. The Theater is said to be home to hundreds of ghosts, including Judy Garland's. Read this Playbill article for more information on the various spirits that haunt the theater, or listen to a CD of Judy Garland's performances there.

Another infamous act in the theater's history is that of acrobat Louis Borsalino, who fell to his death during a performance. Let's hope you don't catch a glimpse of his ghost; those who see his spirit are rumored to die shortly thereafter.